Well here's some pictures of what I have been up to

[rrinker]

There are some more pictures of the Tortoise install on my web site. And I'velinked this one before: http://www.pbase.com/tracktime/norcalf which is where I got the idea from in the first place.
Sure seems easier to me than trying to line it all up from underneath. Saves my back and neck, too.

--Randy

[selector]

Randy, you do great work!! Every car looks like it was made by a robot- super precision.

I'm glad you posted the pic with the Tortoise. I had been reading your contributions on other threads and was not certain what you were discussing. Now it makes sense. If I ever do another layout (sigh) it will incorporate those motors and the way you do it.

Thanks for keeping an eye out for the questions that you respond to. Your kindness is most welcome.

-Crandell

[rrinker]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

The roadbed is Woodland Scenic foam. Ont he main lines behind where the magnets are, that is HO roadbed. Where the magnets are on the yard lead, that is N scale roadbed. Track is Atlas Code 83.

Yes that is a Tortoise on a piece of perfboard, cut in from the top.

Not sure the rectangular ones will work. Kadee magnets are polarized along the long axis - normal magnets are not. I don't think it will properly attract the 'air hoses' and open the couplers. If you use TWO rectangular ones - but then it's wider than the track.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Randy, I bought some small rectangle magnets from RS that I thought I would try first when I get around to it! Did you try those?

I love the idea of using these magnets for uncoupling!

Is that a drop in Tortoise on a PC board for that switch? Thats what I plan on doing with mine! Nice JOB!!!!

DON

[mikebonellisr]

also about the magnets...what code and brand is your track?

[fiatfan]

Randy,

I like the idea of the magnets. Neat idea!.

Tom

[fec153]

Hi Randy. I have those hoppers in a different road. Look good.
What are you using for roadbed in the pic with the magnets?
Flip

[rrinker]

Too early to call it Sunday Photo Fun. [:D] Besides taking more pictures for my father in law to ebay more incorrect or obsolete equipment - I snuck in a few photos of things I've talked about lately.

Worst one first, came out too dark. It's my string of 6 Stewart Hoppers, a presetn the past Christmas that the other night I FINALLY got around to assembling.



Here's the hoppers again, along with my 3 P2K tank cars and one of my Red Caboose flats:



And my control panel - mechanically complete, I still have to wire it up. This is one of 3 panels this size plus one real small one I will have on this section of the layout.



And lastly, a shot of the Radio Shack round magnets under the track. They work great, and are alot cheaper than Kadee magnets. A little trickier to stop in just the right spot, but the short operating area also reduces the chances for a false uncoupling.




--Randy